I began serving with F2T initially because there was a need for volunteers & I had availability in my schedule, but I initially had no idea what I had volunteered for! I was very impressed with the F2T program from the beginning. I was especially impressed with the format. As a former teacher, I enjoy the opportunity to engage with students. I appreciated the ability to interact with the students in a smaller group setting (most classes were divided into groups of 4-6 students) for small bursts of time. This format allowed for more interaction with students individually, but in a time frame that held their attention, which maximized the quality of that time. It was amazing to see the difference in students from beginning to end - the amount of knowledge they garnered in a short time was amazing. Students also had the opportunity for self-discovery of food likes/dislikes & being exposed to new foods & methods of preparation that aren't usually encountered in the average American home. Students in the F2T program get a hands-on opportunity to better themselves & their families through nutrition education & awareness that is unique & rare - it is no surprise that most teachers in the school district want their students to participate!

Glenda

Farm-2-Table 

Hi! My name is Jana. I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ, and I love volunteering at Farm-2-Table! I learned about Farm-2-Table when Truth and Grace asked for volunteers to help once a month. I nervously showed up my first time and met a group of students that would become my special little friends over the next 9 months. I worked with Mrs. Sharp’s class every month. Then I learned about Mrs. Hall’s friends, and I began volunteering more often. Every visit is a chance to help students grow emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Thank you, Farm-2-Table, for giving me the opportunity to grow as well!

Jana

Farm-2-Table

I can't say how much I've loved being a part of Farm-2-Table & having the opportunity to help our local children learn and grow. It's very rewarding to watch the kids take in new information & know I helped make that happen. This program, along with all other Fit-2-Serve programs for local youth, truly make a difference in our community & benefit all children (& volunteers!) who take part in them! They encourage children to be active learners & truly understand the material.

Volunteering with Fit-2-Serve is an experience I wouldn't trade for the world.

Brook

Farm-2-Table

I loved volunteering at Farm-2-Table. The program is amazing and interactive. I love seeing the students engage in the lessons and try new things. Students were always so happy to be there and learn. Volunteering was such an exciting opportunity, I can't wait to volunteer again!

Stephanie

Farm-2-Table

I love going to help with Learn-2-Grow, because it's a change of pace from my work life. The energy the kids give is just amazing!!! For the short time I'm there teaching them & interacting with them, it seems like nothing else matters but the activity we are doing!! When the kids see me outside of school they come up & say "hi" & give hugs & it just makes you feel good to give back!!! Whether we realize it or not the relationship & trust they find in us carries on outside of the class room & I always want them to feel important! In all honesty, they are our future & if we don't invest just time in them, how can we expect them to succeed!?

Amanda Perdomo

Learn-2-Grow

From the first day of kindergarten for our son at Ashmore Elementary, I was smitten with the school, the teachers, the staff. When I heard and learned more about the Community Bridges program, I was intrigued by the concept of empowering kids through gardening and farming concepts. With a strong desire to create and implement a program that was more exportable to other communities, I knew in my heart that Ashmore would be the perfect place to pilot this program. The last year has been filled with so much learning and laughter, exposure to new things, learning how things work through book readings, and crafts, and activities. We have found volunteers that love to pour into the Ashmore kids every month, and the kids walk away from our classes with the biggest smiles on their faces. Now when I see them in the school, they ask when they will get to come back to the community center for another lesson. This launch into Ashmore has been one of the biggest blessings to Fit-2-Serve, the Ashmore School, the Ashmore community, and most importantly to the kids that attend Ashmore. I couldn’t be more proud of the work that we have done, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds at Ashmore or at other communities that want to implement a similar program within their school.

Jennifer Hendrickson

Community Leader